I have lost 94lbs since having the lapband in nov. of 08. I started out at 215lbs and am currently 121lbs. I am 5'4 and have gone from a size 18 to a size 4. My cholesterol dropped over 12 points and my energy level has tripled. I love my current weight and size but am a little worried because the more weight I lose the more noticable my port becomes. It looks very odd and slightly diminishes the pleasure I get from seeing myself naked while being this thin. I can think of only one thing that would eliminate this problem and that is to remove the lapband. However, I worry like anyone would after losing 94lbs., that I will gain the weight back. Also how costly is a removal? I was a self pay to begin with and can't afford anything near what I paid to have it put in. So any advice other than to not wear a 2 piece bikini this summer?

I have worn my port loud and proud for several years, and not let it stop me wearing a bikini. But i know what you mean, it does diminish the pleasure, mine was freaky. I also had a small but weird draping of loose skin over my belly button, but never enough to justify a tummy tuck.

Events transpired that i had a medically necessary tuck a few weeks ago to fix damage and scarring from recent surgery and my port was moved, and the back taken off it to reduce the profile. I eouldnt have believed that it coulf be hidden on my abdomen which had very little fat on it. But it is right ny my navel now in that natural pad of fat, instead of on the hollow sides of my belly.

It is really worth moving the port. All you cn see now is a very light mound and my new belly button is ever so slightly off centre, youd only notice if i stood still while you looked for it.

Right now this is my only complaint... There is so little fat (and getting less and less) over my port that it looks like a tumor! I remember the days of having to dig to find it... lol But now I find myself messing with it all the time because it's right there... I think I might just name it... lol

I have lost 94lbs since having the lapband in nov. of 08. I started out at 215lbs and am currently 121lbs. I am 5'4 and have gone from a size 18 to a size 4. My cholesterol dropped over 12 points and my energy level has tripled. I love my current weight and size but am a little worried because the more weight I lose the more noticable my port becomes. It looks very odd and slightly diminishes the pleasure I get from seeing myself naked while being this thin. I can think of only one thing that would eliminate this problem and that is to remove the lapband. However, I worry like anyone would after losing 94lbs., that I will gain the weight back. Also how costly is a removal? I was a self pay to begin with and can't afford anything near what I paid to have it put in. So any advice other than to not wear a 2 piece bikini this summer?

can i suggest?? there are some awesome bathers , with wonderful designs, and are one piece that are out now... either that or you just get used to the port. Perhaps you are more aware of it than others are?

There are 2 solutions that would be safe, firstly there are low profile ports available so maybe if yours could be changed, or secondly mine is on my breastbone the only time u can see it is when u have no bra or bikini top on and it sort of blends in with the other bones i can see now lol ..

getting the band and or port removed seems a little drastic when there are other options, changing it to a low profile port i think can be done while u are awake so i dont think the costs would be that bad

good luck with it ..